Places to visit in Belgium

As the nucleus of the European Union and home to the NATO headquarters, you would be right to expect Brussels (Bruxelle, Brussel) to have a multi-cultured and vibrant air. The central hangout and meet-up spot of the city is found within the Grand Place square. At one of the relaxed café terraces, enjoy fine flavours by day or night, while soaking up the astounding architecture of the eighteenth-century guild houses and the impressive spired town hall. Brussels has plenty on offer to keep you busy for a few days. More things to do in Brussels

One of Belgium’s most-loved places is Bruges (Brugge), often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. The small city has legions of fans thanks to its immaculate Medieval complexion and quaint charms. Revere in the city’s romantic canals and authentic architecture. Close by is another little stunner – the city of Ghent (Gent). Spend some time at the part-moated Gravensteen castle, built during the Middle Ages. But Ghent is best enjoyed by aimlessly wandering along its endless cobbled streets or blissfully breezing through the canals by boat.

Belgium has 65 kilometres of well-groomed coastline to brag about. Located in West Flanders are the white sands of Ostend (Oostende) – unsurprisingly a tourist hotspot during the summer months. The most popular beach is Grootstrand, where you’ll find a multitude of Belgian and Dutch tourists lazing beneath the sun. The city also has quite a lot going on at night, so once you’ve worn yourself at the beach, enjoy some chilled beers at a cosy Belgian pub and enjoy!

Visit Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp. It’s becoming increasingly popular for its effortlessly cool and hip vibe. As well as being a draw for fashionistas seeking out the latest designs, it also pulls in party revellers ready to rock on until the sun shows its head. Begin the evening’s assault stumbling upon authentic drinking holes and tasting Belgian’s beer selection – a good choice is Pater’s Vaetje pub. Once well-watered head to the regenerated docklands for partying into the early hours at one of the popular clubs.

For those in need of outdoor activity, the Ardennes is a place that has everything you need to ignite your adrenaline reserves. Get hiking or biking around the Ardennes woods, or kayak, white-water raft or fish within the fast-flowing rivers that have carved this area. Journey around this flora- and fauna-rich corner of Belgium and stop off at some of the pretty little villages along the way, including La Roche-en-Ardenne. The town of Dinant is also a good base from which to enjoy fun outdoor pursuits, such as abseiling, paintballing and climbing.